Live Social Media Q&A to take place

Our Council Leader and Executive Member for Finance will take to our Social Media channels on Monday 11 December 6pm-7pm to answer your questions about our budget and services.

Council Leader, Shona Haslam and Executive Member for Finance, Councillor George Turnbull will be taking to our Facebook page and Twitter feed to answer your questions about the Council’s budget and services on Monday 11 December from 6pm until 7pm.

The online event is part of the Council’s budget consultation where the Administration is asking members of the public to contribute their ideas on the Council’s spending plans through the online Dialogue tool.

Council Leader, Shona Haslam:

“A number of ideas have been submitted to us already but we are very keen to engage with the public on this. Where do you think the Council priorities should be on spending and how can we generate additional income and make savings?

“Like all households we need to balance the books and setting the budget is one of our most important jobs. This is why we are asking the public to help us in identifying where we can make savings, generate additional income and prioritise spending. Taking to the Council’s social media channels is another easy way for people to engage in this process.

“I can reassure residents that we will consider every suggestion that is put forward. While we cannot promise that we will do everything that is suggested - we will carefully consider every single one.”

Councillor George Turnbull, Executive Member for Finance:

“We are continuing to work with Council officers to ensure we make decisions which protect core services and make efficiencies wherever possible. However, it’s not easy with decreasing amounts coming from central government and increased pressures to deliver bigger and better services.

“This is why it is really important that residents submit their ideas into us and also take part in the live Q&A on social media. We are keen to hear your views and answer any questions you might have.”

You can take part on Facebook or twitter. Anyone who is not available during that time can submit a question in advance by posting it on the Facebook page or on Twitter using #bordersbudget.

All the feedback received will be fed in to the financial planning process and Corporate Transformation programme. In addition to Dialogue you can also:

The Council’s vision remains to seek the best quality of life for all the people in the Scottish Borders, prosperity for our businesses and good health and resilience for all our communities. More information about the Council’s Corporate Plan is available.